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FINE NORTH SHORE EVENTS
Planning & Design

as an experienced artisan

we'll craft your wedding day from 

scratch

Our process  |  answering some FAQ's  |  Testimonials from our clients   Soiréesmith by the numbers  |  what exactly makes a SoiréeSmith client

Inquire about your date availability here

From there, you will receive additional information based on the service you are interested in, and we will setup your initial consultation 

Our Process

01

Client onboarding

Once the signed contract and retainer payment received, you're officially a client — welcome!
 You'll receive some initial homework to complete before planning can commence. This includes: an onboarding questionnaire, a completed guestlist and defining the spending parameters and scope of the project. 

03

INitial consultation

Prior to our complimentary consultation we ask you to complete a brief questionnaire to optimize our conversation.
In this call, both of us are looking to make sure we are a good fit to work together. We take on only a handful of events each calendar year to ensure a consistent and quality experience, so we truly value getting everyone who is involved in the decision-making process on this call to ensure we’ll work well together. Clients who we proceed with will receive an agreement outlining the services we’ve discussed and our policies and procedures.

02

planning begins

The planning phase commences once we have reviewed your completed onboarding documents. We have our first meeting to provide you our planning roadmap including a realistic spending analysis as to what to expect to spend in each category of  the wedding budget, as well as share a timeline for when things will be completed by us or due by you. From there, your core vendor team will be established and we will lead the negotiations to ensure your interests and investment are protected within your contract. 

04

design phase

The design phase builds on all we learned about you in the onboarding and planning phase and ensures that everything tangible  (from stationery, to decor, furnishings and lighting) about your event has a cohesive look and feel and is unique to you. Clients receive a full presentation of design details and you approve the overall concept before moving into production.

05

production commences

Once the design is approved by you the production phase begins — which is solely on us. Everything about the scope of executing the design is handled and confirmed: reserving rentals, confirming delivery, load-in, and installation required to produce your event is completed. We work with your venue and the creative team of vendors to ensure everything is produced to plan. 

06

management & execution phase

For our full planning clients, this is in expansion to the production and logistics schedules but includes thoughtfully designed timelines grounded in how you want the day to feel for you and your guests. Yes, there are multiple: a master, plus versions for each vendor and a family/bridal party copy. Our clients walk into their event weekend with confidence knowing our cheery and professional team has everything in hand. 

07

Answers to our most commonly asked questions:

Faq's

As we take a limited number of weddings each year, we are not able to hold a date after our initial consultation. The only way to secure a date is with a signed contract and paid retainer. 

Do you hold dates?

We no longer offer month-of/event management and execution services. We have found that setting limitations to only working together for one month simply will not get you the best service, protect your wedding investment, or result in the best day for you and your guests. 

Do you have month-of or day-of Services?

 Full service planning starts as far out as 2 years prior to the wedding.
We are currently booking 2022 & Spring 2023. 

How far in advance do you book?

While our specialty is private homes and country clubs, we do occasionally leave the North Shore when the right project comes along!

Do you work in Chicago?

From milestone birthday celebrations to intimate parties in your home,
 we firmly believe you should CELEBRATE EVERYTHING. So yes, we would be delighted to discuss your celebration. 

Do you plan events other than weddings?

“Andrea kept us on track with wedding planning, helped us with details we hadn't even thought of, and kept our whole wedding day in order so we could enjoy it.”

molly & Matt

01

“I think the whole wedding planning thing seems like a drawn-out, complex process but Andrea helped make it manageable and simple. She connected us with the right vendors immediately to jump start the planning process.”

sarah & mike

02

“Andrea navigated our visions and desires seamlessly and the final result was beyond perfect ”

Olivia & Ben

03

values their time

The SoiréeSmith Client

The SoiréeSmith Client

appreciates balance
 in design of new and old

The SoiréeSmith Client

loves a good party

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begin your complimentary consultation

INQUIRE WITH US

. Let’s see if we’re a good fit for each other!

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